MSc Strategic Marketing

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Imperial College London

Program Overview

The MSc Strategic Marketing at Imperial College Business School is designed to help you become a marketing professional who can think creatively and strategically. It’s a great fit if you’re passionate about understanding consumers, working with data, and learning how brands grow — and you’ll study everything from core marketing principles to the newest digital and analytical tools shaping the industry today.

Curriculum Structure

Core Learning (Terms 1 & 2)

In the first part of the programme, you’ll build a strong foundation in key areas like Applied Strategic Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Digital Marketing, Market Research, Strategic Brand Management, and Marketing Analytics. These modules help you understand how marketing decisions are made, how customers think, and how companies create value. You’ll also explore areas like Services & Customer Relationship Management and Finance & Pricing Strategy, giving you a solid grasp of the commercial side of marketing.

Specialisation Through Electives

As you move further, you’ll get the chance to tailor your learning by choosing up to five electives. You can align your path with one of Imperial’s two focus routes — Marketing Management or Marketing Analytics. Whether you want to dive deeper into digital strategy, branding, analytics, or innovation, the elective options help you shape your expertise around your career goals.

Integrative & Applied Final Term

Your final months are all about applying what you’ve learned. You might take modules like Marketing Decision Making or work on a major hands-on component such as a Strategic Marketing Consulting Project, Case Study, Work Placement/Extended Placement, or an Individual Research Report. This is where you connect classroom learning to real-world business challenges.
You’ll also have opportunities to go global through experiences like Global Immersion, Global Exchanges, or the Global Business Challenge, giving you international exposure and insight.

Focus Areas

Strategic marketing • marketing analytics • digital innovation • brand strategy • customer insights • entrepreneurship • data-driven decision-making

Learning Outcomes

Ability to design data-driven marketing strategies • understand consumer behaviour deeply • manage brands and services effectively • apply analytics to decision-making • deliver actionable solutions through consulting-style projects

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Imperial College Business School holds triple accreditation (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS) — a mark of global quality and professional recognition.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Ranked 7th worldwide for Marketing Master’s (QS Business Master’s Rankings).
94% of graduates employed within six months, according to Imperial’s latest outcomes data.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the things students love most about Imperial’s MSc Strategic Marketing is how practical it feels from the start. You’re not just learning big marketing theories — you’re constantly testing them through activities, team challenges, and real business projects. The programme mixes online tools with in-person workshops, giving you a professional, fast-paced environment that feels very close to what you’ll experience in industry.

As you move through the year, you’ll work closely with classmates on live case studies, presentations, and data-driven tasks that sharpen your strategic thinking. And because Imperial is so connected to global companies, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to apply your skills in real-world settings. All of that adds up to a learning experience that feels relevant, hands-on, and genuinely career-shaping.

Here’s what that looks like in a practical sense:

Interactive pre-study modules on The Hub – Before term begins, you’ll complete online refreshers in maths, data analysis, accounting, and marketing fundamentals. It gives you a solid foundation so you can hit the ground running.
Group projects and live case work – Many classes involve team problem-solving, pitch-style presentations, and hands-on discussions around real companies and campaigns.
Strategic Marketing Consulting Project – You can work with a real organisation on an actual business challenge. It’s a great way to build confidence and industry experience.
Work placement option (4–6 months) – If you choose the 16-month route, you can take on a placement or internship, giving you practical exposure inside a company before graduating.
Independent Research Report or Case Study – If you’re more research-driven, you can dive deep into a marketing topic of your choice with academic supervision.
Global experiences – Opportunities like the Global Business Challenge, global exchanges, or an international immersion help you develop a wider, cross-cultural perspective.
Personalised career support – Imperial’s careers team offers one-on-one coaching, CV and LinkedIn guidance, mock interviews, skills workshops, and access to employer networking events.
Direct access to industry – Throughout the year you’ll meet companies like Amazon, LVMH, and McKinsey at panel discussions, recruitment events, and employer sessions.

Progression & Future Opportunities

One of the biggest strengths of Imperial’s MSc Strategic Marketing is how quickly it opens doors for graduates. Because you’re learning from a Business School that’s internationally recognised and deeply connected to industry, students often step straight into roles like Brand Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist, Product Manager, or Strategy Consultant. The mix of strategic thinking, data skills, and real business exposure means you graduate ready to make an impact.

And the outcomes speak for themselves:

Exceptional career results: 94% of students secure a role within six months — a testament to both the programme’s quality and Imperial’s reputation.
Powerful career support: You’ll work closely with Imperial’s specialist Careers team, who offer one-to-one coaching, mock interviews, CV and LinkedIn guidance, skill-building workshops, and access to employer networking events throughout the year.
Real industry pathways: Students regularly meet and connect with global employers through Imperial’s employer panels and recruitment events. Companies like Amazon, LVMH, McKinsey, and major tech, consulting, and luxury firms actively recruit graduates.
Long-term value of the degree: The qualification is widely respected and gives you a strong foundation for leadership roles, particularly in digital strategy, brand management, analytics-driven marketing, and commercial strategy.
Strong graduate destinations: Alumni move into a wide spread of roles — from Account Manager and Digital Analyst to Marketing Strategist and Business Development Consultant.

Further Academic Progression:

If you discover a passion for research or want to specialise further, this MSc sets you up perfectly for advanced study. Many students progress into PhD programmes in Marketing or Business Strategy, while others pursue additional postgraduate routes in areas like Business Analytics, Innovation Management, or Data Science to deepen their skill set even more.